Some technical information about this website
Providing information in audio and video formats that will work with most people's computer systems is challenging, to say the least. The way an individual's computer will manage an audio or video file relies on a large number of variables. We think we have a near universal solution for the audio content. Video is another matter altogether so we've opted to provide the video material in two formats. One is Quicktime and the other Windows Media.
If you are using a Windows PC then the best option will probably be the Windows Media file format. If using a Mac then choose the Quicktime option. Many PCs have Quicktime installed as a result of installing iTunes. The default format on each web page is Quicktime as that is the best supported cross-platform format. Windows Media files are available from the Audio/Video Files page.
Optimal Screen Size
This website has been designed to display on a standard 1024 by 768 pixel monitor. The optimal size is greater than 900 by 650 pixels. A smaller window size may be used but there could be some cosmetic issues with the left hand menu. The banner at the top of the page may not extend to the right hand margin but it is the correct size for printing a page in A4 format.
Warning - Large file sizes
Audio and video files are generally much larger than ordinary web pages, even those with graphics. When you click on an audio or video file, much of the file has to be transferred to your computer before the item starts playing. This may take some time, particularly if your Internet connection is slow, such as a dial up account. In fact, video files are unsuitable for viewing over a dial up link and we don't recommend it. There is no technical reason that it won't work, just that the delay to download even a short video file might run into many minutes. In producing the video files, we have had to compromise between the smallest possible file size and retaining sufficient clarity in the video to enable the presenter's signing to be fully visible.
Some Common Problems
The video or audio won't play when I click a link
Firewalls blocking media files: Some organisations have their firewalls configured to block the transfer of media files such as MP3 files.
Check with your technical support people to see if this is the case. Depending on your organisation, it may be possible to enable downloads by opening your firewall to our IP address. Have your people contact us if this is a possibility.
No media player present or you've chosen the wrong file format: You may have chosen a file format that is not supported by your computer.
Try a different format or confirm that your computer can play audio and/or video material. Have a knowledgeable person check that your computer is set up for audio and video.
Windows media files will run on Windows PCs, Quicktime will run on Macintosh computers.
Download the audio or video files before playing them
If the video file won't play by clicking a link we suggest you go to the Audio/Video file download page. Locate the file you want, Right Click on it and choose Save file as or Save target as or something similar. The file will then download onto your computer. Once it's there, you should be able to double click it to run it in your media player.
Allow time for the media file to download
It may be that the file is large and hasn't downloaded enough content to begin playing - see note above about file sizes.
